The Dordogne

Carlux is located midway between Sarlat (the mediaeval capital of the region) and Souillac (15km). There are supermarkets in both towns (Sarlat- Carrefour, Casino, Leclerc, Lidl, and in  Souillac – Leclerc, Casino, and Lidl)

The Gites are situated on the hillside overlooking the village of Carlux dominated by its 13 century ruined chateau.

There is a footpath through the woods across to the village and it is approximately a 10 minute walk. Please note that this footpath is not suitable for prams.

The village has a Proxy Supermarket which is very well stocked with local produce and fruit and vegetables, a bakery, La Halle Paysanne (farmer’s market) with restaurant in the summer, a post office, a bar/tabac with restaurant (L'Escapade). The Pizza Van visits the village on Thursday evenings. A fish van stops on Tuesdays and a butchers van stops on Wednesdays. In the high season the boulangerie sends their van to the site for the sale of bread and pastries. 

The Dordogne is one of the most beautiful parts of France.  It is also one of the most popular for visitors across Europe and North America and, maybe a little unusually for France, copes easily with the English language.

The Dordogne river runs through the centre of the Dordogne region.  The river is wide and free-flowing, and hosts innumerable boat and canoe trips during the summer.  On leaving the region, the River Dordogne flows west through Bergerac, meeting the sea when it hits the west coast of France, at Bordeaux.  

As well as the meandering river, many famous sites are located in the Dordogne.   Two periods of history predominate in this area – the Stone Age (circa 17,000 years ago) and the late Middle Ages (notably the 100 Years’ War between France and England which spanned the 1300s and 1400s).  

The area is full of historical sites located in spectacular countryside.  These range from pre-historic caves (notably, the world-famous Lascaux caves), medieval towns and villages, imposing castles and chateaus and beautiful gardens.  

Sarlat is the region’s capital.  This is a breathtaking and beautifully preserved medieval town, famous for its beautiful stone medieval buildings.  In fact, it has the highest amount of historical buildings per square foot in the whole of France.  The centre of the town is also largely car-free, although there is plenty of parking within easy-walking distance.

Sarlat’s café-lined streets and bistro terraces host impressive weekly markets each Wednesday and Saturday.  Beware though, market-days can get very busy, especially in the summer.  Sarlat at night is also an unforgettable experience.  The streets come alive with a warm glow from the traditional gaslit lamps, making it feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. 

You’re also spoilt for choice for eating options in and around Sarlat, with al fresco dining on the cobble terraces de riguer in summer.

Two of the great chateaux of the Dordogne, dating from the 13th century and playing pivotal roles during the Hundred Years War. Castelnaud has an impressive museum of warfare, and both have spectacular views of the Dordogne river (and each other!)

Two contrasting styles of gardens, Marquayssac perched on the cliffs above the Dordogne valley has small formal gardens and then extensive walks along the cliff tops to the Belvédère overlooking La Roque Gageac (one of the prettiest villages in France). Every Thursday during July and August the gardens are lit in the evening with thousands of lights and there are jazz bands and live music. Its a magical scene. Eyrignac, located about 7km from Carlux is one of the foremost gardens of France, very formal and mainly green! The gardens of Cadiot (in the English style) are also in the vicinity and within walking distance of the Gites.

Les Eyzies, known as the Capital of European prehistory (National museum of prehistory, Grotte du Grand Roc, Abri de Cro-Magnon ). Font de Gaume located at the entrance of the village has one of the finest collections of prehistoric paintings still open to the public. Admission is limited to only 60 per day so you need to plan ahead as you may have to queue to get in.